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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design for contemporary collections, focusing on soft wovens and embellishments.
- Company: Join Debenhams Group, a brand transforming retail with a fresh culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive bonuses, discounts, and a comprehensive wellbeing package.
- Why this job: Shape fashion trends and make a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Fashion Design and significant experience in design management.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with strong opportunities for growth.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
At Debenhams Group, we are on a journey of transformation, revitalising our brand, culture, and connection with colleagues and customers alike. In a fast-changing retail environment, effective and authentic communication is vital to building trust, aligning our teams, and amplifying the impact of our work across internal and external audiences.
We are looking to hire an experienced Design Manager for Soft Wovens, Embellishment & Embroidery to play a key role in shaping Karen Millen’s contemporary, elevated collections across occasionwear and premium daywear. This role will be based out of our central London office.
What you’ll be doing
- Collection & Design Development
- Work with the Product Director to set an inspiring vision for the future and effectively translate and communicate this to the teams.
- Lead the design and development of soft woven collections, including dresses, blouses and elevated daywear.
- Deliver seasonal trend packs and identify in‑season trends, driving them into the business.
- Has a broad eye for concept and can identify focused key items for the season, volume lines, colour palettes and print direction.
- Create modern, feminine silhouettes that align with the Karen Millen design handwriting.
- Approach product development from a collection perspective, ensuring ranges feel cohesive and commercially balanced.
- Support strategic range planning and build strong category architecture across the season.
- Deliver designs that support seven‑day dressing through considered fabric and silhouette choices.
- Demonstrate an in‑depth, customer‑focused knowledge of the market and trends.
- Management
- Manage and develop the Design Team for Karen Millen.
- Deputising for the Product Director, with the opportunity to work closely with the Managing Director on a regular basis.
- Take responsibility for the design critical path in line with buying and marketing.
- Embellishment & Surface Design
- Drive the creative development of embellishment, embroidery and artisanal surface techniques.
- Produce detailed artwork packs, placement designs and trim concepts for suppliers.
- Explore innovative applications of craft and premium detailing across occasionwear.
- Product Development
- Manage the design process from initial concept through to final sample approval.
- Deliver product that balances crafted statement pieces with cleaner, refined silhouettes and fabrications.
- Work closely with Buying and Merchandising to ensure collections are commercially balanced.
- Partner with Garment Technology to achieve exceptional fit, construction and quality.
- Ensure product is delivered on time and in line with the critical path.
- Trend & Market Awareness
- Maintain strong awareness of global fashion trends, craft techniques and competitor activity.
- Identify new product opportunities and emerging design directions relevant to the Karen Millen customer.
- Cross‑Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Buying, Merchandising, Technical and Studio teams to deliver cohesive collections.
- Contribute to range presentations, design reviews and seasonal concept development.
What We Look For
- A degree in Fashion Design or a related discipline.
- Significant experience at a Design Manager level, within soft wovens or occasionwear.
- Proven experience within a previous design role, with management experience.
- Strong experience designing woven dresses and tops.
- Confident knowledge of embellishment, embroidery and surface design techniques.
- Able to adapt design handwriting across both crafted and cleaner product categories.
- Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple developments and deadlines.
- Commercially aware with a strong understanding of customer, trend and market influences.
- A collaborative team player with a clear design perspective and strong product focus.
- Comfortable working at pace. Agility is something you pride yourself on.
- A team player. Someone who enjoys going above and beyond to support others in the team where needed, especially during peak times.
Our benefits
- Highly competitive bonus scheme, company pension, share schemes, private medical cover and life assurance.
- Discount across all brands.
- Comprehensive wellbeing package.
- Ongoing learning and development with strong internal progression.
- Free season ticket loan.
Design Manager in London employer: Debenhams Group
Contact Detail:
Debenhams Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! Make sure it’s up-to-date and highlights your best work. When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers, bring it along and be ready to discuss your design process and inspirations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent collections. Be ready to share how your vision aligns with their brand and how you can contribute to their transformation journey.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Design: When you're writing your application, let your love for design shine through! Share specific examples of your previous work that align with the role, especially in soft wovens and occasionwear. We want to see your creativity and how you can contribute to our vision.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your experience in managing design teams and your knowledge of embellishment and embroidery techniques. This shows us that you understand what we're looking for and that you're genuinely interested in the position.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your achievements and skills. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can communicate effectively, so show us you can do that right from the start!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows us you’re proactive and keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Debenhams Group
✨Know Your Design Trends
Before the interview, dive deep into current fashion trends, especially in soft wovens and occasionwear. Be ready to discuss how these trends can influence your design vision for Karen Millen's collections.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Design Manager, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed and developed a design team in the past. Highlight your collaborative approach and how you support your team during busy periods.
✨Prepare Your Portfolio
Bring a well-organised portfolio that showcases your best work, particularly in woven dresses and tops. Include detailed artwork packs and any innovative embellishment techniques you've used, as this will demonstrate your hands-on experience.
✨Understand the Brand
Research Karen Millen’s design handwriting and brand ethos. Be prepared to discuss how your design perspective aligns with their vision and how you can contribute to their transformation journey in the retail environment.